Speaking Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Cairo’s focus on inclusive growth, regional stability, and open markets aligns closely with US priorities—framing the bilateral relationship as a foundation for broader cross-continental cooperation.
“The deepening of US-Egypt economic relations speaks not only to mutual prosperity,” he said, “but to the potential for partnerships that connect Africa, Asia, and the Americas through sustainable trade, infrastructure, and innovation.”
The two-day forum—co-hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Egypt, the US-Egypt Business Council, and its Egyptian counterpart—brought together senior officials, diplomats, and executives.
It focused on expanding trade, increasing investment, and exploring trilateral opportunities, particularly in Africa, where Egypt is positioning itself as a regional anchor.
Longstanding ties and international trade
Abdelatty highlighted the longstanding nature of the US-Egypt relationship, which spans over four decades and includes cooperation in education, health, energy, and security.
“This is a win-win relationship that benefits both our peoples,” he said, citing regular engagement with members of the US Congress and administration.
Frameworks such as the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ), which give Egyptian exports preferential access to US markets, have supported bilateral trade.
The United States remains a major investor in Egypt, particularly in the energy sector, with companies such as Apache and ExxonMobil active in oil and gas projects.
Egyptian officials encouraged US firms to expand investment in infrastructure and logistics, especially in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which the government sees as a cornerstone for manufacturing and export operations.
Abdelatty also positioned Egypt as a gateway to African and Asian markets.
He pointed to Egypt’s membership in trade blocs such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and COMESA, which offer tariff-free access to more than a billion consumers.
Infrastructure projects led by Egyptian firms—such as the $3 billion Julius Nyerere Dam in Tanzania—were cited as examples of capacity and potential for joint ventures.
Economic reforms and regional diplomacy
Over the past decade, Egypt has invested more than $550 billion in infrastructure, including transport, energy, and digital networks.
Abdelatty noted the role of US-backed financing in supporting Egypt’s tech sector and invited American firms to localize production in Egypt to benefit from trade agreements with the EU, which allow duty-free exports with a minimum of 30 percent local content.
He also outlined Egypt’s 2030 Investment Strategy to shift the economy toward private-sector-led growth.
To attract investors, the government has capped public investment spending and introduced regulatory changes—such as streamlining halal certification and updating vehicle standards.
Officials say they hope more than 70 percent of Egypt’s total investment will come from private sources.
While the forum focused on economic priorities, Abdelatty also addressed regional instability, including the war on Gaza, conflict in Sudan, and tensions in the Red Sea.
He emphasized Egypt’s role as a stabilizing force and called for stronger US support in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.
He promoted Egypt’s proposed Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, already endorsed by the Arab League and several international partners.
The plan includes a donor conference in Cairo, with expected participation from the US government and private sector.
Looking ahead
Despite inflation, regional insecurity, and refugee pressures, officials said Egypt’s macroeconomic indicators remain stable and reiterated the country’s openness to international investment.
“Our partnership is not just about trade and investment,” Abdelatty said. “It’s about shaping a stable and prosperous region.”
Short link: